Can José Ramírez Make a Case for American League MVP?

Last night, the Colorado Rockies put an end to the Cleveland Guardians nine-game winning streak with an 8-6 victory. Cleveland has the second-best record in the American League at 36-18 behind the 37-18 New York Yankees. One of the reasons behind the Guardians early success has been due to the play of third baseman José Ramírez. The five-time all-star has been making a case for the 2024 American League MVP Award, recently he has been quoted saying “I’m better than Barry Bonds.” Throughout the American League, the play of Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Gunnar Henderson, and Kyle Tucker stand out, but Ramírez can rise to the occasion, and the voting to pull out his first American League MVP trophy. 

Ramírez has played in 53 games for the Guardians this season. In 214 at-bats, he has recorded 57 hits, 15 home runs, 54 RBIs, and eight stolen bases with a batting average of .266. His 54 RBIs rank first in the Majors. The five-time all-star is tied for fourth in the league with Marcell Ozuna with 15 home runs. In the American League, Ramírez ranks 13th with his 57 hits. Just through the month of May, the five-time all-star has ripped 10 home runs and brought home 30 RBIs. There have been four games this month where Ramírez has put up three RBIs or more. At 31 years old, the Guardians veteran third baseman has been a huge cornerstone for this franchise, and now in the prime of his career, he looks to make the Guardians a threatful playoff contender. 

After the Guardians won their eighth game in a row the other day against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, manager Stephen Vogt said, “One of the best players in the world. He doesn’t get enough recognition for it. He wants to play baseball and he wants to win. He plays accordingly every single night.” The Guardians top player must continue to play well in order for Cleveland to stay on top of the AL Central division. If the Guardians become the best team in baseball over the next couple of months, look for Ramírez to get his shine as the American League MVP.